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Robust Ghostpipefish, Solenostomus cyanopterus Bleeker,1855

Similar species:
Ghostpipefishes are different to seahorses in several ways. A ghostpipefish’s head is held at an angle to the body, but not at such a large angle as that of the seahorse. Ghostpipefishes have two dorsal fins whereas a seahorse only has one.

Fast Facts

It is the largest of the ghostpipefishes, growing to a maximum length of 15 cm.

Introduction

Although there is considerable variation, many Robust Ghostpipefish look remarkably similar to a piece of seagrass.

Identification

The colouration of the Robust Ghostpipefish is highly variable from grey, brown to bright green. The species has a very short to absent caudal peduncle.

Habitat

It is usually seen in pairs near algae or seagrass beds. When disturbed it will move into the vegetation.

Distribution

The Robust Ghostpipefish lives in marine waters of the Indian and western Pacific Oceans. In Australia it is found in coastal bays and estuaries from Shark Bay, Western Australia, around the tropical north and south to Sydney Harbour, New South Wales.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

Feeding and diet

The species feeds on small crustaceans.

Breeding behaviours

Unlike the seahorses, ghostpipefishes do not have a pouch in which the young are reared, instead a female ghostpipefish (rather than the male seahorse) looks after the eggs in a pouch formed by her modified ventral fins. These fins are greatly expanded and united with the abdomen along the upper margin and together below for a brood pouch.

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